Who Makes the Best Replacement Windows?

Homeowners who want to upgrade their existing windows enjoy many benefits.  Vinyl replacement windows, as well as fiberglass replacement windows and wood replacement windows, offer a lot of benefits.  The superior energy effiency, enhanced appearance, and improved security replacement windows can offer are cited as top reasons why homeowners replace thier windows.

Installing home replacement windows can be a substantial investment.  Most homeowners want to make sure they’re getting the top value possible for their money, which brings us to our question: who makes the best replacement windows? How can you tell which ones are the best — not just in general, but for your home and your budget?

 There are several signs to look for.  First and foremost, you want to look for the Energy Star label.  An Energy Star label on your replacement windows verifies that you’re making a wise choice, selecting windows that meet rigorous standards for energy efficiency.

But you need to look beyond the stars!  Keeping on the energy efficiency theme, you’ll want to look for the NFRC rating, which measures energy efficiency.  You want a rating as close to 100 as possible.

There are other replacement window ratings to consider.  The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) tests windows to ensure they are air and water tight, feature high quality construction and provide some level of security to the homeowner.  Look for the AAMA golden seal on your replacement windows!

Exploring Replacement Window Options: Vinyl Replacement Windows

“We just couldn’t agree on anything,” said Amy Rocker.  “This whole remodel was a nightmare — and the windows were the worst.  I wanted wood windows, just like I’d grown up with, and my husband wanted vinyl replacement windows.  He said they were easier to take care of — he never’d have to paint them, and they tilt in to clean — and best of all, they were much more affordable.” 

“But they were white,” her husband, Grant, cut in.  “And we just couldn’t have white indoors.”

“No, we couldn’t,” Amy said.  “It would just look terrible with what we’ve done in here.  Anyways, you see we couldn’t agree — and you’ve got to have windows!”

Luckily for Amy and Grant, there was a workable option.  They didn’t have to choose between the classic traditional styling — and high price tag — of wood replacement windows and the white vinyl replacement windows Amy was imagining.  A visit to thier replacement window specialist revealed that not only were vinyl replacement windows available in a wide range of styles and finishes, with an option for every decor.

As an added bonus, vinyl replacement windows offer superior energy efficiency, particularly when compared to the windows Amy and Grant were replacing.  “Those windows had been in there forever,” Amy said.  “When we bought the house, they were already old.”  Single pane windows, particularly those with leaks or cracks, can be a tremendous source of lost energy, as warmed interior air is released to the outdoors.  “So replacing our old windows with vinyl replacement windows started saving us money right away, just on the heating bill alone!”  Double or triple pane glass vinyl replacement windows, such as the Alside Excalibur line, are idea for homes like Amy and Grant’s.

Looking to the Future with Replacement Windows

All across the nation yesterday, people paused in thier daily routines to stop and watch as Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States.  The speech he gave on this historic occassion was in many ways a call to action: in this post, we’re going to consider how replacement windows can be part of the changes we as individuals make, as we all work together to make our country stronger.

The President said: each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

One of the major ways any of us use energy is to heat and cool our homes.  Fuel oil, kerosene, natural gas, electricity or firewood — it doesn’t matter which option you use, the truth is that heating and cooling a home can use up a lot of resources. 

When you consider that up to 40% of the heat produced by using these resources leaks right through old, single-pane, poorly insulated windows and doors, that’s a problem!  Scarce resources aren’t being used…they’re being wasted!

Installing home replacement windows, particularly vinyl home replacement windows, helps slow the consumption of scarce resources.  Instead of producing lots of heat, knowing that a good portion of it will be leaking away through old windows, a home owner can run their heating system less often and still maintain a comfortable living space, because vinyl home replacement windows keep warm air in! 

Double or triple pane glass vinyl replacement windows are engineered to offer the ultimate in energy efficiency.  When you select vinyl replacement windows from a quality manufacturer, such as Alside, you are ensuring that you’re doing your part to save energy.  One person making a change to help the environment is good — but when we all work together for a common goal, that’s even better!

Window Of Opportunity: Vinyl Replacement Windows in the New Year

A new year means a new start: a chance to put the stress and worry of a bad year behind us and focus on a bright, positive future.  Preparedness and forward-thinking are the order of the day: homeowners are thinking what can they do to ensure that 2009 is a better year than 2008 was.

Home replacement windows, particularly vinyl home replacement windows, can play a pivotal role in ensuring that the coming year is a good one. Installing home replacement windows offers homeowners several tangible benefits: if you’re hoping to save money, enjoy better health, and be happier in the new year, you’ll want vinyl replacement windows.

Vinyl replacement windows help homeowners save money in several ways.  First and foremost, their superior energy efficiency allows homeowners to use less fuel to heat their homes. This is an immediate source of savings.  Because vinyl replacement windows, such as the Alside Excalibur line, feature double or triple pane glass, complete with insulating pockets of gas, and low e coatings, they excel at keeping warm air in and cold air out.

Vinyl replacement windows contribute to improved health in a number of ways.  First and foremost, because installing vinyl replacement windows minimizes air and water penetration, the environmental irritants that trigger allergic reactions are kept outdoors.  Secondly, vinyl replacement windows make it easier to maintain a consistent interior temperature. This can be a critical health consideration for people who have a difficult time maintaining their own body temperature, namely children and the elderly.

Finally, about happiness.  We’ve demonstrated how vinyl replacement windows can help you have more money and better health — if that doesn’t contribute to increased happiness, what will?